Kempu Chitranna: Vibrant Red Rice Recipe from South Kanara

30 minutes

1142 reads

4.41 from 5 votes

About Kempu Chitranna: Vibrant Red Rice Recipe from South Kanara

Experience the fiery flavors of Kempu Chitranna, a traditional South Kanara (Karnataka) rice dish perfect for festive occasions like Makar Sankranti and Lohri. This vibrant red rice recipe is a celebration of color and aroma, bringing families together with its comforting and delicious taste.
Made with simple ingredients like rice, coconut, and a medley of spices, Kempu Chitranna offers a unique culinary journey. The recipe's bold red hue comes from a generous amount of red chilies, balanced by the creamy coconut and fragrant spices. It's a dish that's both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.
Prepare this aromatic and flavorful dish to add a special touch to your next celebration. Its rich tapestry of tastes is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Calories659 kcal
Serves4
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

For the Rice

For the Coconut-Chili Paste

For the Tempering

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice

  • Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and cook it in a pressure cooker until fluffy and the grains are separate. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Spread the cooked rice on a plate to cool.

Make the Coconut-Chili Paste

  • Grind together the grated coconut, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies into a smooth paste using a little water (about 1/4 cup).

Prepare the Tempering

  • Heat the oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida, turmeric powder, bengal gram dal, and split black gram dal. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then add the groundnuts and sauté for a few more seconds. Finally add the cashews and curry leaves, sauté until fragrant.

Combine and Finish

  • Add the prepared coconut-chili paste to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently until fragrant. Add salt to taste, mix well and turn off the heat. Gently fold in the cooled cooked rice, ensuring it is well coated with the spice mixture.

Serve

  • Serve your Kempu Chitranna warm. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Kempu Chitranna

  • Adjust the spice level: Start with fewer chilies and add more to your preference. You can also use milder varieties of red chilies.
  • Fresh coconut is key: Using fresh, grated coconut will greatly enhance the flavor of the dish compared to desiccated coconut.
  • Don't overcook the rice: Cook the rice until it's fluffy and the grains are separate, but avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy.
  • Garnish (optional): For added visual appeal and flavor, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro or toasted coconut flakes before serving.
Explore Recipes by Tags lohri recipesmakar sankranti recipes

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4.41 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 659kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 29.4gSodium: 855mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

jayashree trao
jayashree trao

A person with zest for life and passion for writing. Blogger, author of e- books, freelancer, poet. My books are available on amazon.

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4.41 from 5 votes

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